Journalist injured, beaten unconscious in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Unidentified gunmen beat a journalist until he was unconscious and also shot him in the capital of northern Balkh province, the victim and police said on Tuesday.

With wound marks visible on his face, Mukhtar Wafaee, in-charge of Howaida website, told a press conference two men with pistols in hands stopped him on his way home from university in the third municipal district of Mazar-i-Sharif on Monday evening.

He said the pair threatened him and started beating him and he raised the hue and cry before being knocked unconscious.

After coming back to senses, he went to the police station and police took him to hospital.

Having no idea who his attackers were, the journalist said he was compiling an investigative report about militant activities aimed at disrupting the security situation during the elections.

Deputy police chief Col. Abdul Razaq Qaderi told Pajhwok Afghan News they had opened an investigation into the incident.

He acknowledged both journalists and security officials faced threats, but added they were making efforts to assist reporters in preserving the freedom of speech.

Noor Agha Sharif, Nai head in Balkh expressed his concern over the attack, said the government had failed to protect the community.

nh/rm/ma

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